Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Happy summer! It’s an honor to serve and represent the great people of our community. While it is a slow time of year legislatively, there are still events of note around our great state. Recently I joined Governor Walz to celebrate this year’s funding for Minnesota’s nursing homes. You can read the article from our local newspaper below or online here.

As with the many issues concerning long term care, it remains my desire to solve problems and work across the aisle on the issues impacting our state. Your thoughts and ideas helps me do a better job for you. So even though we are not in session I am still happy to meet with constituents in Anoka or chat on the phone. If you want to schedule a time to meet or have an issue you need help with, please contact my assistant Christina (christina.wilson@senate.mn). We are happy to hear from you.

Abeler joins Walz in Coon Rapids to celebrate funds for nursing homes

State Senator Jim Abeler, R — Anoka, joined Gov. Tim Walz and Democrat legislative leaders at Park River Estates Care Center in Coon Rapids to celebrate significant funding for Minnesota nursing homes. The direct grants are part of the $300 million agreement to help nursing homes that the Senate secured back in May, which adds up to about $1.1 million for every nursing home in the state. “This session’s nursing home agreement is a great example of how we can get a lot accomplished for Minnesotans when Republicans and Democrats work together,” Abeler said in a press release from his office. “Minnesota nursing homes continue to face a staffing crisis, and this new funding will provide meaningful support to ensure our loved ones receive the care they need and deserve. I am grateful to see us address this crisis in such a strong and bipartisan manner.” During the event, the governor along with legislative leaders — Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic and House Majority Leader Melissa Hortman — highlighted the $173 million Nursing Facility Grants that Minnesota nursing homes started to receive this month. In an official press release, Walz shared that, “This session, we worked across the aisle to prioritize the needs of middle class families and seniors. We’re providing direct support to nursing homes across the state to ensure Minnesota’s seniors have the quality care and safe environments they deserve.” Senator John Hoffman, DFL — Champlin, chair of the Senate Human Services committee, also attended the nursing home tour. During the press conference, he spoke to how caring for our seniors and vulnerable Minnesotans is not a partisan issue. Rep. Mohamud Noor, DFL — Minneapolis, and Rep. Zack Stephenson DFL — Coon Rapids, also applauded the bipartisan aid package for nursing homes. Through the Nursing Facility Grants, more than 300 nursing homes are eligible for a base payment of $225,000 plus an estimated $3,900 per bed, and $12.35 in additional funding per day per resident for an 18-month period. The direct payment money is split into two checks — one that was sent on Aug. 1, 2023, and another that is expected to be sent next August. Through the two direct payments, the Park River Estates Care Center in Coon Rapids will receive a total of $622,635. The grants can be used for various fiscal management strategies to improve the financial health of nursing homes. Unlike loans in the Human Services budget, these grants will not need to be repaid.

The Great Minnesota Get-Together

The Minnesota State Fair is nearly here. Now is the time to work on your game plan to fit in as many corn dogs, corn cobs, and corn-themed art pieces as you can. This summer staple runs from August 24th through Labor Day and showcases the finest of our state’s agriculture, art and business along with countless entertainment and many of our favorite food options. I also encourage you to stop by the Senate booth in the Education building to fill out our legislative survey.

This enduring tradition can be traced back to when Minnesota was still a United States territory. In 1854, the Minnesota Agricultural Society was founded with a mission to promote the Minnesota Territory’s agriculture through an annual fair. The first Territorial Fair was held in 1855 and located near what is now downtown Minneapolis. After three years of these fairs, Minnesota was granted statehood in 1858 and the Society then held its first State Fair in 1859. 

During its early years, the Fair’s location varied annually at sites including Owatonna, Rochester, Red Wing and Winona. The State Fair eventually found a permanent home at its current location after Ramsey County donated 210-acres to the state for sole use by the Minnesota State Agricultural Society – the governing body of the Fair.

Since then, the Minnesota State Fair has continued to grow in both scale and attractions offered and now welcomes more than a million fair-goers each year. While agriculture is still a focus of the Fair, the exhibitions have evolved to reflect our state’s advancing technological and industrial industries. From the History & Heritage Center to the Fine Arts Center, there are now more than 25 buildings, barns and areas to explore.  The Great Minnesota Get-Together is truly a beloved celebration that brings Minnesotans together to recognize all that makes our state so great. Everyone who attends has their own stories and unique memories, and I invite you and your family to spend a fun day creating your own. Visit the fair’s website to learn more at https://www.mnstatefair.org/.

Betty Bednarczyk Courage Award

I was recently honored with the Betty Bednarczyk Courage Award by Service Employee International Union (SEIU) HealthcareMinnesota & Iowa. The award is named for Betty Bednarczyk, a long-time leader of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and one of the first woman leaders of any union in Minnesota and nationally. Throughout her career, Betty was committed to excellence in leadership, and she believed that members deserved the very best from their union. Each year SEIU HCMN executive board members dedicate the Betty Bednarczyk Courage Award in her memory to an outstanding individual who is an ally to the union’s mission and goal. Betty made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless people and it is humbling to be presented with an award named after such an inspiring Minnesota leader, and I want to express my gratitude to SEIU Healthcare Minnesota for this great honor. Thank you to each SEIU member for the sacrifices you make each day for the well-being of others.

HWY 10 Updates

Jacob Lane closure 
Jacob Lane is now closed in both directions between Main St. Service Rd. and Fairoak Ave. through October. Drivers will need to use Main St., Main St. Service Rd. and Fairoak Ave. as a detour route to get around the closure.

The detour will change starting Mon, Aug. 28. Drivers will then need to use West Main St. and Fairoak Ave. through October. This closure is required to begin reconstructing Jacob Ln.

Please also plan for a one-day closure of Fairoak Ave. under the Hwy 10 bridge during the week of Aug. 21. Follow the posted detour signs.

Westbound Hwy 10 exit to Ferry Street ramp closure begins Thursday, August 24
The exit ramp to Ferry St. from westbound Hwy 10 is expected to close starting today, Thursday, Aug. 24 for approximately three weeks.

If you typically use this ramp, please follow the posted detour signs, and use 7th Ave. to Bunker Lake Blvd. to access Ferry St.

It is my honor to serve you. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
 

Warmly,

Senator Jim Abeler
Minnesota Senate, District 35

Capitol Address
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 2207
St. Paul, MN 55155

Office: 651-296-3733